SIMCARTEL Bust: Europol Unplugs Massive SIM-Box Scam, Saves Millions!
Europol’s Operation SIMCARTEL pulled the plug on a massive illegal SIM-box service that fueled over 3,200 fraud cases and caused 4.5 million euros in damages. The cybercriminals offered phone numbers to conduct crimes like phishing and impersonation—truly dialing up trouble across 80 countries.
Hot Take:
Looks like the SIMCARTEL operation is the ultimate episode of “Law & Order: Cyber Victims Unit!” Europol and friends have put a stop to a fraud fiesta that even Hollywood would struggle to script. If you thought your mobile carrier’s charges were criminal, wait until you hear about these guys and their 40,000 SIM card shenanigans. The plot twist? Those fake accounts weren’t just for catfishing—there was a whole crime buffet happening behind the scenes! Grab your popcorn as Europol and the Shadowserver Foundation star in this real-life takedown drama.
Key Points:
- Europol’s Operation SIMCARTEL dismantled an illegal SIM-box service causing €4.5 million in losses.
- 1,200 SIM-box devices with 40,000 SIM cards were seized, used for creating fraudulent accounts in over 80 countries.
- Services were marketed through two websites, now seized and displaying law enforcement warnings.
- Operation led to the arrest of five Latvian nationals and two others, with significant assets seized.
- Authorities linked the service to 3,200 fraud cases, including investment scams, extortion, and impersonation.